9 Reasons To Consider A Healthy Detox Diet & Exactly What To Eat

Molly is a registered dietitian nutritionist who holds a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from Texas Christian University and a master’s degree in nutrition interventions, communication, and behavior change from Tufts University.

The term "detox diet" is broad, divisive, and often conjures thoughts of cleanses featuring cayenne-laced lemon water that promise to curb cravings, boost energy, and help you lose weight. Many people are quick to say they’re all a hoax, too, since the body is more than capable of taking care of itself, thanks to our built-in detoxification system starring the liver.

But while, yes, our liver is always detoxifying, sometimes it could use a little help. "In a healthy body, the process of detoxification runs smoothly," Mark Hyman, M.D., functional medicine doctor and New York Times best-selling author, told mbg. "When you become toxic, the mechanism for detoxification in the liver gets sluggish, and certain toxins can remain active longer than we want or than our systems can handle. This makes us sick and impedes normal metabolism. It also causes fluid retention, bloat, and puffiness."

The truth is, our bodies may not be fully equipped to deal with the burden they’re now facing. Today, more than ever, we’re bombarded with countless toxins—from pollution to chemicals in skin care products to preservatives, pesticides, and excessive sugar in the foods we eat. These things have the potential to throw blood sugar out of whack, deplete nutrient stores, cause a buildup of dangerous substances in the body such as heavy metals, and lead to chronic inflammation—all of which can make us tired and sick. And we’ll continue to feel this way unless we make a shift.

"The key becomes figuring out how to enhance your body’s capacity to detoxify and get rid of waste while minimizing your exposure to toxins," Hyman said.

While we can’t necessarily control the world around us or our exposure to all pollutants and chemicals, we can make strategic dietary changes that may help counter their effects by supporting the liver, reducing inflammation, healing the gut, balancing blood sugar, and lightening our overall toxic load. This, in broad terms, is what a healthy detox diet should do.

Signs you may want to consider a healthy detox diet

Think back to the time in your life when you felt the healthiest. How does your current state compare? If you feel significantly less vital, or you’ve never felt that great to begin with, it could be time to rethink what you're eating and try a detox.

Of course, some of these could also be signs that you are sleep deprived or dealing with another health condition, so be sure to consult your healthcare provider if you're concerned (find a functional practitioner in your area here).

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What to eat on a detox diet

A common misconception is that detox diets must be extreme or that they’re expensive or that they’re all green juice misery—but this doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, they can (and often should!) resemble a pretty simple, balanced, whole-foods-based diet. No pricey prepackaged meals required.

Since there’s no official definition of "detox diet," the suggestions and foods below should be considered a framework that can be customized based on your specific needs and preferences rather than a set of strict rules.

Step 1: Start with a strong, whole-foods-based diet.

A good first step is ditching the packaged foods and focusing on whole, preferably organic foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, sustainably raised meats, fish, eggs, and minimally processed oils such as olive or coconut oil.

This means you’ll be taking a break from most of the foods and additives that tax your system (e.g., added sugars or artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, refined carbohydrates, trans fats), as well as some chemical pesticides from conventional produce, and adding in nutrient-dense foods that will nourish the body and keep blood sugar levels stable.

Step 2: Consider eliminating common food intolerances.

Sometimes the "toxins" that are making it more difficult for our bodies to function optimally are foods that we’re intolerant or allergic to, but we don’t know it yet. Allergies are more obvious and often involve swelling and trouble breathing. But intolerances and their symptoms are subtler and can trigger an inflammatory response in the gut that leads to full-body inflammation and symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, eczema, joint aches, and migraines.

Common food intolerances include those to soy, gluten, corn, eggs, peanuts, shellfish, and dairy. If you have some of the symptoms above, consider eliminating potential trigger foods for a period of time (it usually takes a few weeks to notice a difference), preferably under the supervision of a doctor or registered dietitian. You’ll also want to consider eliminating alcohol during this period, since your body registers alcohol as a toxin and relies on your liver to process and eliminate it, which can put stress on the organ

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Step 3: Add in specific detox-friendly foods.

At this point, you have a great base diet full of nourishing whole foods. But now it’s time to get more strategic and add in specific foods that have been shown to improve digestion, help heal the gut (since a leaky gut can allow unwanted toxins into the bloodstream), and support the liver or assist your body’s detoxification processes in other ways. These 12 are a great place to start:

1. Green tea

Here’s a great reason to make a morning cuppa matcha a habit. The phytochemicals in green tea have been shown to induce phase II detoxification pathways. In phase I, toxins are made water-soluble by enzymes; and in phase II, toxins are bound to protective chemicals that neutralize them and allow them to be eliminated via bile or urine. The polyphenol antioxidants in green tea are also anti-inflammatory and have cancer-preventing effects.

2. Dandelion root and leaf

Not into green tea? Try sipping on dandelion root tea, sometimes called dandelion coffee, which is caffeine-free and tastes somewhat similar to actual coffee. Dandelion often touted for its cleansing properties, and one animal study found that it helped rid the body of reactive oxygen species that cause oxidative stress, which reduced risk of atherosclerosis (deposits of plaque within arteries).

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3. Lemon zest

Forget lemon water, adding some lemon (or lime or orange) zest to your morning smoothie is an even better idea. Turns out that citrus rinds contain a compound called D-limonene, which has been shown in animal studies to help reverse oxidative damage caused to the liver as a result of a high-fat diet. Sipping on lemon water throughout the day still has its perks though—it's a great way to stay hydrated, which helps promote the movement of toxins out of the body.

4. Leafy greens

Dark leafy greens such as dandelion greens, arugula, spinach, and kale (and even algaes like chlorella) contain plant chlorophylls, which help remove chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals from the bloodstream. Specifically, early research shows that chlorophyll may reduce the risk of liver damage caused by aflatoxins (dangerous compounds produced by fungi that may be present on a variety of foods, including peanuts) by increasing the activity of certain enzymes and removing toxins.

5. Algae

Chlorella, specifically, is a powerful chelator, and has been shown to absorb 40 percent of the heavy metals in the test solution within seven days. More recent research on animals has demonstrated its ability to help rid the body of toxic metals and chemicals such as mercury. Consider adding a scoop of chlorella to your morning smoothie for a detoxifying boost. Need some inspiration? Try this recipe.

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6. Cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain sulfur-containing phytochemicals called glucosinolates, which are protective against cancer, anti-inflammatory, and, according to renowned functional medicine doctor Frank Lipman, M.D., may help the body remove toxins.

One study found that a drink made with broccoli activated enzymes that help pick up pollutants from the bloodstream and flush them out via urine. Cruciferous veggies are also high in fiber, which helps feed "good" probiotic gut bacteria and promote healthy digestion. That’s critical, since a damaged (or leaky) gut allows various toxins and bacteria into the bloodstream, contributing to issues like systemic inflammation and autoimmune disease.

7. Beets

These ruby-hued roots contain a type of antioxidant called betalains, which may help reduce chronic inflammation and repair cells in the liver thanks to their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Beets also boast high amounts of dietary nitrates, which expand blood vessels and improve blood flow, and thus help lower blood pressure. Consider blending your beets with a peeled orange, some ginger, a splash of seltzer, and some ice for a refreshing treat.

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8. Herbs and spices

If you’re experiencing digestive woes, consider adding parsley to your diet. This often-overlooked herb acts as a natural diuretic and helps prevent bloating. It also contains anti-inflammatory vitamin C. Cilantro is another great pick, as it has been shown help accelerate the excretion of heavy metals like mercury and lead from the body. Try adding both of these herbs to your morning smoothie. Want more of a kick? Go for ginger, an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant spice that promotes balanced blood sugar and optimal digestion. Or start using more garlic, which contains naturally detoxifying sulfur compounds (just like cruciferous veggies) and combats the growth of unfriendly bacteria in the gut.

9. Fermented foods

Sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and other fermented foods are loaded with "good" probiotic bacteria, which promote healthy digestion and a healthy, stable gut that keeps toxins out of the bloodstream. And according to functional medicine experts like Lipman, they may also help clear heavy metals out of the body.

10. Berries

If you’re craving a sweet treat on your detox, opt for deep-hued berries such as blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. These are all relatively low-sugar and high-fiber, which means they’ll help keep blood sugar stable and cravings at bay. They’re also loaded with phytochemicals called anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants that have been shown to scavenge free radicals, reduce inflammation, and boost brain health and mood.

11. Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds, particularly hemp, flax, and chia, are rich in fiber and antioxidants that help promote optimal digestion and move food through the body faster, which therefore aids in toxin removal. Nuts are great, too; particularly walnuts, which have high amounts of plant-based omega-3 fats. These fats can help reduce inflammation and may boost learning, memory, and overall brain function.

12. Bone broth (and other glutathione-boosting foods)

Glutathione is an antioxidant concentrated in the liver that helps bind toxins and escort them out of the body via urine or bile. Glutathione may also boost the absorption of various nutrients in the foods you eat. "Lower glutathione levels, [however] ramp up oxidative stress, free radicals, infections, and cancer," Hyman told mbg. "Low levels also overload and damage your liver, making it unable to detoxify."

Glutathione can be obtained directly from a few foods, including raw spinach, avocado, and asparagus; and it can also be produced by your body from the amino acids glutamine, glycine, and cysteine. Foods containing the building blocks of glutathione include bone broth and sulfur-containing foods such as cruciferous veggies and garlic. Getting enough vitamin C, vitamin D, and minerals like zinc and selenium are also important for glutathione production.

Step 4: Don't forget to move your body and get plenty of sleep.

Sweating helps take some of the detoxification burden off of your liver. According to Wendie Trubow, M.D., functional medicine gynecologist, detoxification is dependent on two critical factors: avoiding additional exposure to toxins and removing any toxins that are present in the body. Ridding the body of the toxins is done through two major pathways. The first is by improving liver function, and the second is through sweating. "The skin is our major detoxification organ, and sweating is the best way to get the toxins out of our body," she says.

If you don't exercise already, start with something like walking and build up to 30 minutes of aerobic activity per day. Strength training can also be helpful. In addition to exercise, sweating can be done with far infrared saunas, steam, or Epsom salt baths.

Additionally, try aiming for at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. "During restorative sleep, the brain is able to repair cellular damage from toxins and other exposures," Ilene Ruhoy, M.D., P.h.D., integrative neurologist, told mbg. "Make sure you're giving your brain a chance to slow down and repair itself every night by getting enough sleep."

Bottom line: Detoxes (done right) can be a healthy way to support your body.

Our bodies are exposed to more toxins than ever, and a safe, whole-foods-centric detox (as described above) can be a healthy way to counter some of the damage. But contrary to popular belief, the best detoxes aren’t restrictive or unsustainable. One that involves eliminating packaged foods and including a variety of antioxidant-rich vegetables, fruits, whole grains, quality proteins, and some of the nutrient-rich foods mentioned above is a safe, long-term approach to living a more vibrant life.